Shirley M. (Schmaedeke) Zettler, age 86, of Eau Claire, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2015, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 17, 1928, in St. Paul, MN, a daughter of Arthur W. and Sylvia M. (Raasch) Schmaedeke. Shirley married Rueben A Zettler on Oct. 25, 1952, in St. Paul, MN they lived in St. Paul for eight years before moving to Menomonie, WI, where they lived for five years eventually settling in Eau Claire in 1965. Shirley worked for ten years in banking in St. Paul. After raising her family she returned to work spending five years at Holsum Bakery; three years for Eau Claire County; and 12 years for the Eau Claire City Housing Authority as a Department Secretary until her retirement in 1993. Before and after retirement she worked for 17 years for N.W.Wisconsin Home Care; and 10 years with LifeNet Home Care. Shirley found great satisfaction working with the elderly, developmentally delayed and Hospice clients. It was fitting that she was served by a beautiful and compassionate Hospice team after helping so many hospice clients herself. She was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ, serving as a deaconess, Sunday school teacher, provided nursery care and adult education. Shirley was a board member for 10 years for the American Cancer Society, serving as Secretary and President of the board. In 1992 she received the Francis J. Wilcox award for outstanding service in the cause of cancer control. She also served as a board member for the Mental Health Association. Shirley enjoyed her two daughters; two sons; and two dear daughters-in-law; along with four grandchildren. Her greatest joy were her four children and grandchildren. She traveled often to visit them in Howard Lake, MN; Milwaukee, WI; Burnsville, MN; and her son and daughter-in-laws summer home on Lake Holcombe. She enjoyed her home and her yard where she worked on flowers and landscaping. People would often comment about how she was always working in the yard. Shirley is survived by her children, John (Paula) Zettler, of Eau Claire, WI; Janet Bryant, of Eau Claire, WI; Patricia Croston, of Howard Lake, MN; and Gary (Dale) Zettler, West Allis, WI. Four grandchildren, Andrew John and Amelia Marie Zettler of Eau Claire,WI; Sydney Judith and Zachary Dorr Zettler, of West Allis, WI; her siblings, John W. (Dona) Schmaedeke and Joanne (Bill) Chartrand of St. Paul, MN; sister-in-law, Esther Schmaedeke of Roseville, MN. Shirley is further survived by 16 nieces and nephews, Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Charles Schmaedeke and Arthur J, Schmaedeke; grandchildren, Kevin, Katie, Berkeley, Keil and Joey Croston. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20, 2015, at First Congregational United Church of Christ 310 Broadway Street in Eau Claire, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Reverend Dr. Mark Pirazzini will be officiating. Interment will be at a later date in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Maple Grove, MN near her infant grandchildren. The family would like to thank the Mayo Clinic Hospice team and Visiting Angels for their kindness and loving care given to our Mother. In lieu of flowers her family requests memorials be given to First Congregational United Church of Christ, American Cancer Society, or MN Air Guard Museum (www.mnangmuseum.org) in honor of her brother Charles. To express condolences online, please visit obituaries at www.lenmarkfh.com

Service Information

Cemetery

St. Patrick's Cemetery Maple Grove MN

Visitation

Friday, February 20 2015 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

First Congregational United Church of Christ 310 Broadway Street Eau Claire WI 54703